March 1: JazzMN Orchestra

Performance concludes day-long Jazzfest 2014 activities.

MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato's Department of Music welcomes the JazzMN Orchestra on Saturday, March 1. The Orchestra’s performance concludes day-long activities associated with Jazzfest 2014. The performance, with the University Jazz Mavericks, takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Elias J. Halling Recital Hall of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, 320 Maywood Ave.

Critics have described the JazzMN Orchestra as the finest big band in the Upper Midwest. This is a rare performance in this region. The JazzMN Orchestra regularly performs a concert series and outreach concerts throughout the Twin Cities.

“We’re pleased to bring this superb group to Southern Minnesota” states Minnesota State Mankato Director of Jazz Studies Doug Snapp. “The JazzMN Orchestra includes many of the finest jazz musicians in Minnesota, with backgrounds performing with notable artists such as Prince, Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, Buddy Rich, and Woody Herman. It’s great to provide students with a professional model of a swingin’ big band. This concert performance will be a lot of fun.”

JazzFest is an annual all-day Department of Music event. The Festival is open to instrumental high school and middle school jazz ensembles. Each group performs and receives a clinic from professional musicians and educators. Also included are master classes for rhythm, trumpet, trombone and saxophone sections. It is a semi-competitive festival. Awards are presented to outstanding sections and soloists, and one participating high school band is selected to open the evening concert.

Concert admission is $15; $13 for students with a valid MavCARD. Discount tickets are available online for University students. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Those who wish to purchase tickets online should go to www.mnsu.edu/music. For more information, call the Performance Series office, (507) 389-5549.